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This month, I had the unforgettable experience of running my dream race: the New York City Marathon. With a record-breaking 55,646 finishers, it was the largest marathon ever held, bringing together competitors from 137 countries.
Running a marathon is no easy feat. Even with four under my belt, I’ve learned that each one is just as grueling as the last. It’s often said the real test begins at 20 miles, and no amount of training – or even all the bananas and energy gels in the world – truly prepares you for those last miles. Marathons push you to your absolute limits, and with only about 0.01% of the world attempting one each year, they’re a unique, yet incredibly rewarding experience.
Since first walking into my athletics club at eight years old, distance running has been my trusted companion through the twists and turns of growing up. It’s given me a place to challenge myself, build friendships and take a breather from the daily grind. That said, there have been plenty of times where I’ve been tempted to hang up my running shoes for good.
The aches and pains. The mud and rain. The relentless blisters. The ever-present scent of deep heat. They’ve all made me question why I keep going. But running has taught me some of the most valuable lessons I know, lessons that reach far beyond the track. Here are five that stand out.
Lesson 1: Preparation, preparation, preparation
In today’s world of social media, marathons are often glamorized. Our feeds are flooded with images of athletes breaking records and smashing goals, making it easy to overlook the months of preparation and miles of training that lead to those moments. For many runners, the marathon itself is seen as a “victory lap” – the reward for all the hard work behind the scenes.
The same principles apply in the workplace. Just as a marathon celebrates the long, challenging miles of training, the sacrifices made, and the busy schedules balanced, the successful completion of a project reflects hours of thoughtful planning, goal setting, and dedication. In both cases, good preparation isn’t just helpful – it’s what makes the triumphant “victory lap” possible.
As a Nike billboard I spotted in New York put it so perfectly: “You’ve come hundreds of miles to get here. Only 26.2 to go.”
Lesson 2: Find your support network
Despite common belief, running doesn’t have to be a solo sport. Joining a club or running with friends can make those tough, rainy miles feel all the more manageable. It’s also a great way to pick up essential tips and tricks from other runners and find some extra motivation to reach your goals.
Even the quickest of runners wouldn’t make it to the start line without some form of support – whether it’s encouragement from family, guidance from coaches, or help from physios. And just like in any workplace, marathon success often comes from the combined effort of a team.
While we may not all have professional nutritionists on hand, having a friendly face on the sidelines with a humorous sign and a stash of Haribos can make all the difference in keeping your spirits high and helping you reach your finish line with a smile.
Lesson 3: Break down your goal and celebrate the small wins!
No matter your speed or experience, 26.2 miles is a daunting distance. For perspective, it’s like running from our Fire on the Hill office in Chancery Lane all the way to Gatwick Airport! That’s a long way, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it.
Just like tackling a lengthy project at work, running a marathon can require months of preparation and focus. That’s why it’s important to break the journey into smaller, more manageable steps. Celebrating those small wins along the way – whether it’s finishing your first 5K or simply crossing off another item from your endless to-do list – can help keep you motivated and remind you of the progress you’re making.
On race day, I break the marathon into eight 5K sections and focus on one at a time. After each segment, I take a moment to check in with myself: How’s my pace? How do I feel? Do I need any water, food, or support? This simple strategy helps me maintain momentum and remind myself of the progress I’m making – one step at a time.
Lesson 4: Setbacks are just part of the journey
You’ve had a solid training block, you’re feeling unstoppable… then, out of nowhere, injury strikes. It’s a runner’s worst nightmare, often hitting at the worst time, and leaving you with a freezer packed with therapeutic frozen peas. But setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and learning to handle them is crucial. They teach patience, resilience, and the importance of support. Whether you’re dealing with an injury or a career challenge, the key is how you respond. Setbacks don’t define you – they’re opportunities to come back stronger.
Lesson 5: Remember your “why”
As I stood at the start line in New York chatting to a fellow nervous runner, we joked about “why we do this to ourselves”. But as I looked around at people from all walks of life, it was clear that everyone had their own reason for being there. Whether for a personal challenge, a charity, or a loved one, each runner was driven by something that kept them moving forward.
Marathons, like any challenging goal, are full of moments when giving up feels like the easier option. In those times, remembering why you started – your personal “why” – can help you keep going. It’s often the motivation behind your effort that pushes you through the hardest parts.
Running marathons has taught me a lot about challenging myself, embracing support, and staying focused on what really matters. For me, it’s more than just crossing the finish line – it’s about the lessons learned along the way.
Marathon number five, here we go!
Image: Frankie Cole
